Don’t settle for just a toothbrush if you have dentures. Proper care and cleaning are of the utmost importance in ensuring that you not only maintain good oral health, but also in extending the life of your dentures.
Taking good care of your dentures starts with brushing and soaking them every day. Use caution when brushing your dentures as they could break if dropped. Choosing the right denture cleaner and brush can make a difference in effectively eliminating bacteria as well as helping your dentures last longer.
Be careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface.
If you notice a build-up of stains or scale, have your denture cleaned by your dental team.
What is the Difference Between a Toothbrush and a Denture Brush?
Special tools and equipment made just for dentures may not seem necessary, but they can be a helpful and cost-saving part of your oral hygiene routine. For example, you might wonder what’s the harm in using traditional toothpaste until you find that over time, grooves have developed in the surface of your dentures. Non-abrasive cleaners formulated just for dentures will prevent this type of wear and tear on your dentures.
Similarly, a brush made especially for cleaning dentures functions differently than a standard toothbrush. Denture brushes are shaped differently than your usual toothbrush so as to make cleaning your dentures more comfortable and effective. They also feature two different brush heads – one for smooth surfaces and the other for hard-to-reach areas. Denture brush bristles are formed to fit the shape of denture and they are strong and durable to ensure all the nooks and crannies can be reached for cleaning.
3 Benefits of Using a Denture Brush
Now that we understand the differences between a standard toothbrush and a denture brush, here is a deeper look at the benefits of using a denture brush to clean and care for your dentures.
- Bristles made for dentures. The bristles on your denture brush are designed to be soft yet effective so they can thoroughly remove food particles from your dentures without risk of scratching them. Because dentures are usually made of plastic or porcelain, these are both materials that can easily scratch, which can lead to food particles getting trapped and allowing bacteria to flourish.
- Two are better than one. Denture brushes have two different brush heads, each created to perform its own special job. The flat head is ideal for cleaning all the smooth, larger surfaces of your dentures, while the smaller tapered head has a uniquely shaped brush head that’s a perfect fit for getting into the artificial gum area of your dentures. Putting both sides of the brush to work for you will leave your dentures extra fresh and clean, not to mention helping to prevent bad breath and inflammation that can be caused by lingering bacteria.
- Get a grip. The ergonomic shape of a denture brush is expertly designed to make it easier to grip onto, more comfortable to use and allow for better control while brushing. These features are a bonus for those with limited dexterity as it makes it possible for all users to uphold their excellent oral hygiene habits.
Learn More About the Care and Maintenance of Your Dentures
Using a denture brush is just one of the many ways you can take top-notch care of your dentures. With both at-home methods and regular office visits, you can extend the life of your dentures and keep your smile healthy. At Total Dental Care, we focus on the needs of each patient to provide an exceptional patient in a relaxing, modern and caring environment. Contact us today to schedule your next visit by calling 240-813-9111 or click to request your appointment online.